From The 42Athletics
Abay Alemu Lesa and Zenebu Fikdau Jebesa beat the rain, wind, and their respective chasing packs.
ETHIOPIAN ATHLETES REIGNED supreme in both the men’s and women’s editions of the Dublin Marathon in difficult conditions in the capital.
Abay Alemu Lesa and Zenebu Fikdau Jebesa beat the rain, wind, and their respective chasing packs to claim the titles.
Lesa won the men’s race in two hours and 10 minutes, while men’s national champion Hugh Armstrong of Ballina AC the first Irishman to cross the line four minutes later, finishing in eighth place overall. Killian Mooney (Dundrum South Dublin AC) and Stephen McCauley (Letterkenny AC) were the next best-placed Irish runners in the men’s race.
Lesa, 22 years old and the youngest competitor in the international men’s field, ran a season’s best with his time and was presented with the Noel Carroll Cup after the race.
“I’m very happy. It was a very hard race and it was windy throughout but I pushed to the last and I was happy with my performance, and very happy to win,” said Lesa.
Lesa’s Ethiopian compatriot, Jebesa, finished first in the women’s race, crossing the line in two hours and 24 minutes, with Derry Spartans’ national champion, Judith Storm, the first Irishwoman home in two hours and 35 minutes.
The result was a 17-second personal best for the 27-year-old Jebesa, who said post-race: “This is my first time in Ireland and I just want to thank everyone for a great day.
“I’m so happy and I want to come back next year to defend the title. That’s my plan now, and do so with a course record,” she added.
Kildare Paralympian Patrick Monahan won the wheelchair race, finishing in an hour and 46 minutes.
A record 19,190 participants are partaking in this year’s marathon, with over €5 million raised so far for various charitable causes.
Written by The 42 and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.